In anticipation of its 2012 Legislative Conference next month, the National Community Pharmacists Association unveiled its lineup of congressional speakers who will discuss pressing healthcare and pharmacy issues with pharmacists.

During a briefing held for the Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus, two senators and two pharmacy groups emphasized how pharmacists located in rural areas of the United States are playing an increasingly important role in delivering health care to their patients.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday issued its latest update on the influenza season to date, or rather the lack thereof. For the week ended Feb. 25, visits for influenza-like illnesses have yet to crack the national baseline of 2.4% this season.

Customers of pharmacy automation provider ScriptPro ranked one of the company's systems as the best in one of the categories of a survey conducted by healthcare information technology research firm KLAS, ScriptPro said.

The Healthcare Distribution Management Association on Tuesday honored Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., with its Rx Safety and Healthcare Leadership Award. The award recognizes public officials for their leadership and commitment to public policies that support and promote the safe and efficient delivery of medicines.

A study published online earlier this month by the American Journal of Cardiology concluded that supplementation with vitamin D conferred substantial survival benefits, specifically in patients with documented deficiency.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association last week teamed up with the American Medical Association in a joint op-ed published in Roll Call that called for the repeal of the over-the-counter prescription requirement for flexible spending accounts.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius will receive her seasonal flu vaccine and will talk about the importance of prevention measures and flu season preparedness Wednesday morning at a Walgreens "health and daily living" pilot store in Chicago.

Four legislators on Thursday introduced legislation that would restore over-the-counter medicines as qualified reimbursements under health spending accounts and flexible spending accounts without a prescription.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Thursday its support of legislation that seeks to repeal a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which requires consumers to obtain a prescription to use their flexible spending accounts for over-the-counter medication purchases.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday proposed a framework to assist states in building Affordable Insurance Exchanges, state-based competitive marketplaces where individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase affordable private health insurance.

Capping off a meeting that brought hundreds of independent community pharmacists to Washington for the National Community Pharmacists Association Legislative Conference, members of Congress joined pharmacists at the Capitol on Wednesday to discuss the cost-saving services provided by local pharmacies now and in the future.

Payless ShoeSource is expanding its beauty offering with the availability of a new beauty brand, SXY by Unforgettable Moments, arriving in stores this week. Featuring nearly 20 affordable beauty and body items, the new line represents yet more competition for chain drug beauty.

Kansas on Monday officially made the move from a paper tracking system for pseudoephedrine sales to the electronic tracking capabilities afforded through the National Precursor Log Exchange, according to an Associated Press report published Monday.

SPECIAL REPORTS

It’s done. A hearing aid category specific to the over-the-counter arena was signed into law in August; all that remains to be created is the regulatory framework. Read more in this special report. Read more...

IN THIS ISSUE

Drug Store News shares exclusive highlights from the CVS Health Leadership Summit about the company’s efforts to speed up healthcare innovation; highlights the sleep and homeopathy categories’ continued growth; showcases the growing role of pharmacy technology; and more! Read more...